Londoners looking to cool off as the summer weather arrives will be able to take advantage of the local spray pads starting this week.
As part of Phase 2 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province, all spray pads across the city of London, except in Gibbons Park, will be open to the public starting on Friday. Click here for a list of spray pad locations.
“We know that this announcement will put a smile on many young faces,” says Mayor Ed Holder in a news release. “While we encourage families to use these facilities, parents must ensure that proper physical distancing is taking place at spray pads.”
The spray pads can be enjoyed between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day and spray pads will be checked and cleaned daily. However, city staff will not be sanitizing all features or play areas, so Londoners are urged to sanitize their hands after use.
Signs will also be posted at each spray pad location to encourage health precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All who attend the spray pad locations are asked to ensure they practice social distancing and to sneeze/cough into your elbow or a tissue.
While city-owned pools and park washrooms will remain closed for the time being, the city said it is working quickly to reopen them to the public.
“While the province announced that indoor and outdoor pools can reopen, there are several items we need to address before opening these facilities,” said Scott Stafford, managing director of Parks and Recreation. “The safety of residents and city staff is top of mind, and we will only open these facilities once we know we can do so safely.”
